Ohio Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Ohio Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Learn about the penalties and sentencing options for misdemeanors in Ohio.

Ohio Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

Ohio’s felony sentencing laws are complex. Learn the penalties, sentencing options, and disposition for a felony conviction.

Ohio Criminal Statute of Limitations

Learn about the statute of limitation periods for criminal cases in Ohio. Statutes of limitations set time limits for the state to begin a case for a crime.

Driving on a Suspended License in Ohio

Like all states, Ohio may suspend or revoke your license for a variety of reasons. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you could be charged with a crime.

Ohio Minor in Possession of Alcohol: Laws and Penalties

A minor younger than 21 in Ohio may not buy, share the cost of, possess, consume, handle, or be under the influence of alcohol, with few exceptions (see below). (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. Section 4301.63.)

Ohio Public Intoxication Laws

In Ohio, it is against the law to be drunk and disorderly but merely appearing in public while intoxicated is not a crime.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Ohio

Learn how Ohio classifies and penalizes drug possession offenses.

Ohio Marijuana Laws

Learn about Ohio's marijuana possession, sales, and cultivation laws and potential penalties.

Ohio Petty and Felony Theft and Shoplifting Laws

Like many states, Ohio classifies its theft-related offenses according to the value of the property—and in some cases, according to the type of property or victim involved in the theft.

Forgery Laws in Ohio

In Ohio, the crime of forgery consists of any of the following actions, when done with the purpose or intent to commit fraud: signing another’s name on a document changing a document in some way without authority to do so creating a false identification card or altering an identification card so that

Burglary, Breaking and Entering, and Criminal Trespass in Ohio

Ohio protects people and their property from intruders with the state's burglary, breaking and entering, and trespass laws. Learn more about these crimes and their penalties.

Ohio Auto Theft Laws

Ohio law criminalizes motor vehicle theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle (joyriding), and carjacking.

Ohio Rape and Sexual Battery Laws

A person who commits rape or sexual battery in Ohio can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and hefty fines.

Ohio Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

Teens who take and share nude or sexual images of children under the age of 18 (including themselves) can be prosecuted under Ohio’s child pornography laws.

Transmitting an STD in Ohio

In Ohio, people who know that they are infected with HIV/AIDS and engage in sexual conduct or bite or spit on people can be charged with criminal exposure, assault with a dangerous weapon, or even attempted murder. People who know they are infected with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could also be charged with assault.

Prostitution Laws in Ohio

In Ohio, it is a crime to buy or sell sex. Ohio also has laws against child prostitution, solicitation, and loitering for the purpose of prostitution.

Ohio Gun and Weapon Laws and Restrictions

Ohio requires a license for carrying concealed handguns. It also regulates who can have guns, where they can bring firearms, and the types and uses of weapons that aren’t allowed.

Stun Gun Laws in Ohio

Ohio doesn’t directly regulate stun guns or Tasers, but you may use one of these devices only for self-defense.

Ohio Domestic Violence Laws

This crime can be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances, the injury caused, and whether the offender has prior convictions for domestic violence.

Felony and Aggravated Assault in Ohio

Causing or attempting to cause harm to another person or to an unborn child is an assault in Ohio. (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §2903.13.)

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking Laws in Ohio

A person who commits cyberbullying or cyberstalking in Ohio can face serious criminal penalties, including substantial incarceration time and hefty fines. Both adults and minors can face charges for these offenses.

Disorderly Conduct in Ohio

Fighting, public drunkenness, and blocking traffic are just a few examples of disorderly conduct in Ohio. Learn what conduct can result in disorderly conduct charges and penalties.